Age 16 to 24 or still in school? YouthSkilledTrades.com is built for you.
HomeExplore TradesFind your fitFind Your TradeCareer AssessmentCareer LaddersSee the workTrade VideosSuccess StoriesWomen in the TradesSecond ChancesBlog and VideoAll resourcesFind TrainingProgramsFind ProgramsBrowse DirectoryApprenticeship ProgramsDOL Apprenticeship DataHelp along the wayVeteransState Job CentersSupport ServicesPay for ItCheck eligibilityFunding Eligibility CheckPell Grant CheckerWorkforce Pell by StateFind moneyFunding GuideScholarshipsGrants and IncentivesFree Tuition StatesPerkins V FundingToolsGet hiredResume BuilderCover Letter BuilderAI Mock InterviewAsk a ProZero to ApprenticeReadiness ChecklistFirst 90 DaysPlan and compareSalary CalculatorCollege vs. TradesSalary vs. Cost of LivingFor OrganizationsWork with usFor OrganizationsFor SchoolsEmployer ResourcesSponsorshipFree BadgeAboutAboutCommunity PartnersOur SponsorsPressContactMoreJob BoardGlobalFind a ProThe Ecosystem
Salary guides

What the trades really pay

Median wages, growth, and openings for each major trade, every number from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025. Guides for more trades are being added.

Pipefitter. Strong Systems Strong Communities career poster

Electricians

$63,190 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+9% growth · 81,000 openings/yr

Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters

$63,800 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+4% growth · 44,000 openings/yr

HVAC Technicians

$61,010 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+8% growth · 40,100 openings/yr

Carpenters

$60,580 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+4% growth · 74,100 openings/yr

Welders

$53,750 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+2% growth · 45,600 openings/yr

Heavy Equipment Operators

$59,850 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+4% growth · 46,200 openings/yr

Power Line Installers

$95,320 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+7% growth · 10,700 openings/yr

Elevator & Escalator Installers

$109,910 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+5% growth · 2,000 openings/yr

Structural Ironworkers

$62,780 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+4% growth · 7,000 openings/yr

Masonry Workers

$62,120 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+2% growth · 20,700 openings/yr

Roofers

$55,440 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+6% growth · 12,700 openings/yr

Sheet Metal Workers

$61,800 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+2% growth · 10,600 openings/yr

Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics

$65,700 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+13% growth · 54,200 openings/yr

Diesel Mechanics

$61,770 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+2% growth · 26,500 openings/yr

Auto Service Technicians

$50,620 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+4% growth · 70,000 openings/yr

Truck Drivers (CDL)

$58,640 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+4% growth · 237,600 openings/yr

Machinists

$58,750 median · BLS OES, May 2025

−2% growth · 34,200 openings/yr

Wind Turbine Technicians

$64,120 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+50% growth · 2,300 openings/yr

Solar Panel Installers

$53,140 median · BLS OES, May 2025

+42% growth · 4,100 openings/yr

Boilermakers

$76,410 median · BLS OES, May 2025

−2% growth · 800 openings/yr

Want a side-by-side comparison adjusted for your state?